Craft or Art? I guess there is a line to trip over when you make functional everyday objects. At any rate, these wonky little numbers are from my first batch of pieces.
Wolfboy, Last time I saw you, you were wearing the bowl as a hat.
I think there is a difference between Art and Craft on two levels. A meta level and a practical level.
The words themselves have powerful associations and meanings... tell me that each time you hear the word craft you don't think of macrame plant hangers and conversely the word art makes you think of a painting or sculpture.
I was just reading about how recently craft museums have been changing their names because of these strong associations...why go to a museum to see craft when you can go to a market? eg. Museum of Art and Design in New York.
I think the practical difference is materials...craft tends to employ materials that are natural (clay, wood etc.) and accesible (plastic, everyday items) and their products tend to be functional.
However, this line gets blurry and easily tripped over. I've seen chairs and welcome mats used as art (artists making functional objects) and craftpeople making products that are not functional at all (preforated clay vessels, hanging orbs filled with ashes that are not complete until they have smashed on the ground).
Is a clay pot with primitive bicycle shapes in celedon glaze my statement about a need to simplify and pay attention to my surroundings? All things I can do by using the pot (planting a flower in it), or looking at the pot which reminds me of riding my bike, using a celedon glaze that does not distract my focus from what really matters? Or is it just a really uneven, boring pot with terrible sketches of bikes on the sides to cover up it's imperfections?
Did anyone stop to wonder 'What's wrong with the title craft or craftsperson'? The artists I've met who refuse the title "artist", saying "no, I'm just a craftsperson" are the most interesting, sincere, modest, and often creative people. What is is about being an artist or making art that's so desirable anyway? Maybe we could invent a new title for everyone; creators.
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8 comments:
craft. definitley craft.
and caledon is boring.
heh heh. just kiddin'/acting out ("hey everybody! look at me! i'm doing something funny!").
where's my bowl?
p.s. let's reignite the craft/art debate. :)
is there a difference? says who?
Wolfboy,
Last time I saw you, you were wearing the bowl as a hat.
I think there is a difference between Art and Craft on two levels.
A meta level and a practical level.
The words themselves have powerful associations and meanings... tell me that each time you hear the word craft you don't think of macrame plant hangers and conversely the word art makes you think of a painting or sculpture.
I was just reading about how recently craft museums have been changing their names because of these strong associations...why go to a museum to see craft when you can go to a market?
eg. Museum of Art and Design in New York.
I think the practical difference is materials...craft tends to employ materials that are natural (clay, wood etc.) and accesible (plastic, everyday items) and their products tend to be functional.
However, this line gets blurry and easily tripped over. I've seen chairs and welcome mats used as art (artists making functional objects) and craftpeople making products that are not functional at all (preforated clay vessels, hanging orbs filled with ashes that are not complete until they have smashed on the ground).
Is a clay pot with primitive bicycle shapes in celedon glaze my statement about a need to simplify and pay attention to my surroundings? All things I can do by using the pot (planting a flower in it), or looking at the pot which reminds me of riding my bike, using a celedon glaze that does not distract my focus from what really matters? Or is it just a really uneven, boring pot with terrible sketches of bikes on the sides to cover up it's imperfections?
:)
(I re- read this and it sounds a little too serious, and thought it need a smile or two)
:)
Craft is art, but these days, it seems if your art is too pragmatic or beautiful, you're craft.
The academy wants art that is engaging. Bowls and beautiful landscapes don't count to some.
All art, all the time.
Did anyone stop to wonder 'What's wrong with the title craft or craftsperson'? The artists I've met who refuse the title "artist", saying "no, I'm just a craftsperson" are the most interesting, sincere, modest, and often creative people. What is is about being an artist or making art that's so desirable anyway? Maybe we could invent a new title for everyone; creators.
Good point.
Also, maybe we could also be making references to "arts" rather than "art".
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